Medicare Planner

IRMAA optimization, enrollment timeline, QCD strategy — Scott & Courtney both eligible 2051

ℹ️ Scott & Courtney (born 1986) both reach Medicare eligibility at age 65 in 2051. IRMAA surcharges are based on income from 2 years prior — so 2051 premiums = 2049 MAGI. Start optimizing income in 2049–2050 now.

IRMAA Lookup — Enter Income Year

Income Year (IRMAA look-back) MAGI in Selected Year ($) Filing Status

Medicare Part B + D Premium (per person/yr)

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Standard premium

2026 IRMAA Brackets (MFJ, adj. ~2%/yr)

MAGI (MFJ)	Part B/Person/Mo	Surcharge

Brackets inflation-adjusted ~2%/yr. Part B standard: $202.90/mo (2026). Part D IRMAA is a separate additional surcharge of ~$14.50–$91/mo per person (2026) at the same MAGI tiers.

Medicare Enrollment Timeline — Both Born 1986

2051 — Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

7-month window: 3 months before your 65th birthday month, birth month, 3 months after. Enroll in Part A (free, hospital) and Part B ($202.90+/mo in 2026 dollars, outpatient). Missing IEP = 10% permanent penalty per year late.

2051 — Choose Medigap or Medicare Advantage

Medigap Plan G (recommended): ~$150-250/mo per person. Covers most gaps. Guaranteed issue at 65 — underwriting applies after. Medicare Advantage: Lower premium, but network limits. At age 65 with good health: Medigap G often better long-term.

2051 — Part D (Prescription Drug) Plan

Required if on Medigap. Choose lowest premium plan that covers your drugs. The $2,000 Part D out-of-pocket cap (2025) is indexed annually — ~$2,100 in 2026.

2061 — RMDs Begin (age 75, SECURE 2.0) + QCD Strategy

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) up to $115,000/person (2026, indexed) can be donated directly from IRA tax-free starting at age 70½ (2056) — QCD eligibility age was not changed by SECURE 2.0. QCDs satisfy RMDs and DON'T add to MAGI — crucial for managing IRMAA brackets. If you give to charity, do it via QCD not cash donations.

2061 — Annual General Enrollment (GEP)

Jan 1 – Mar 31 each year. Coverage begins the month after you enroll (post-2023 rule). Use this to switch plans during Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7).

IRMAA Income Planning (2049–2053)

Year (MAGI)	Affects Yr	Target MAGI	IRMAA Tier

Set income below each IRMAA threshold. Minimize Roth conversions in 2049–2050 if near a bracket edge.

QCD Calculator (available age 70½+, offsets RMDs from 2061)

Year Traditional IRA Balance ($) RMD Amount ($) Annual Charitable Giving Goal ($)

Max QCD Allowed ($115,000/person 2026, indexed)—

QCD Satisfies RMD—

MAGI Reduction vs Cash Gift—

Est. Tax Saved (24% bracket)—

Medigap Plan Comparison (2051 Estimates)

Plan	Part A Coinsurance	Part B Coinsurance	Deductibles	Foreign Travel	Est. Premium/Mo	Recommendation
Plan G	100%	100%	Part A only	80%	$150–250	Best Value
Plan F	100%	100%	All covered	80%	$175–300	Not available if 65 after Jan 1 2020
Plan N	100%	100% (copays)	Part A only	80%	$100–180	Budget option
Plan K	50%	50%	Part A only	No	$60–100	High exposure
MA Plan	Varies	Varies	MOOP varies	Emergency only	$0–50	Network restrictions

💡 Recommendation for Scott & Courtney: Enroll in Medigap Plan G at age 65 (guaranteed issue). Budget $300–$500/mo for both (Part B + Medigap + Part D combined). Use QCDs from age 70½ to reduce IRMAA exposure.